Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Complaints

681 consumer complaints on file.

#11765524September 19, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle is shifting into neutral when putting it into drive. I was told the transmission valve body broke and transmission control unit for 9-speed transmission (VGS) has to be replaced. The fault codes include P073E00, gear cannot be engaged, and U012600, Communication with the steering column module has a malfunction. The vehicle only has 77,488 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765527September 19, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Trailer recognition module shows fault B164213, "The output for the left rear turn signal lamp has a malfunction. There is an open circuit." The vehicle has 77,488 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763248September 9, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2017 Mercedes-Benz GLE350, VIN [XXX]. While driving, the vehicle intermittently displays multiple warning lights/messages and the power-steering assistance intermittently becomes heavy/stiff. The warnings rapidly appear and disappear and the problem can occur repeatedly while the vehicle is being driven. Pressing/tapping around the front passenger-side floor/kick-panel area can sometimes cause the warnings to clear. The problem appears more frequently in hot daytime conditions and can occur after the vehicle has been running. The engine continues running normally during the events. The vehicle has previously displayed communication-related faults. Mercedes-Benz previously performed Campaign 2023010002 involving inspection for water intrusion in the spare-wheel well; that repair order states no moisture was found in that location and the indicated drain grommet was replaced. The current problem persists. I am concerned because the intermittent loss/reduction of power-steering assistance while driving creates a safety risk. I am also aware of NHTSA Campaign 17V-241 involving water intrusion at the electric power-steering connector and loss of steering assistance on certain Mercedes vehicles. My VIN currently shows no open recalls. I am reporting my vehicle's symptoms so NHTSA can evaluate whether this represents a similar or related safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762451September 6, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING
While driving my 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350, the vehicle suddenly shut off and lost propulsion without warning. There was no check-engine light or other warning before the failure. The engine would crank afterward but would not restart, leaving the vehicle disabled. The vehicle has an open NHTSA safety recall (22V-955) involving the fuel pump control unit and potential loss of propulsion. The vehicle is currently at Benzel-Busch Mercedes-Benz for recall inspection and diagnosis. I am reporting this because the sudden loss of propulsion while driving created a serious safety risk.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761181September 1, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on XXX at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter. The camshaft bearing housing was replaced and the repair was declared complete on XXX but the check engine light returned the next day. After extended diagnosis involving Mercedes-Benz Engineering and a Field Service Engineer, the dealer removed the cylinder head on XXX and found an internal oil passage that was restricted and clogged. The dealer stated this may have caused insufficient oil flow and contributed to the camshaft timing failure. On XXX, Mercedes-Benz Engineering directed replacement of the complete engine. The dealer advised that no replacement engine is available in the [XXX] and one must be shipped from [XXX], with a tentative arrival of XXX. The vehicle has been out of service since XXX and is expected to remain out of service for approximately four months. The engine is an M264 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. Similar cylinder head and camshaft failures have been reported by other owners of this engine at comparable mileage. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761182September 1, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle was delivered to the dealer on July 13, 2026 at 33,360 miles with an illuminated check engine light. The dealer diagnosed intake camshaft timing faults and found pieces of the central valve screen in the engine oil filter. The camshaft bearing housing was replaced and the repair declared complete on July 15, but the check engine light returned the next day. On August 19 the dealer removed the cylinder head and found an internal oil passage that was restricted and clogged, which they stated may have caused insufficient oil flow and contributed to the camshaft timing failure. On August 24, Mercedes-Benz Engineering directed replacement of the complete engine. No replacement engine is available in the United States; one must be shipped from Germany, with a tentative arrival of October 19, 2026. The vehicle has been out of service since July 13, 2026 and is expected to remain out of service about four months. The engine is an M264 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. Similar cylinder head and camshaft failures have been reported by other owners of this engine at comparable mileage.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760749August 30, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The left side of the digital instrument cluster in my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 intermittently goes completely blank while driving. When this occurs, I cannot see critical vehicle information, including my speed, fuel level, warning indicators, and other important vehicle functions. The failure happens randomly and without warning. Approximately two months ago, I took the vehicle to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership for this issue. The dealer stated that the problem was corrected with a software update; however, the instrument-cluster failure has now returned. This creates a serious safety concern because I may be unable to monitor my speed, determine how much fuel remains, or see urgent warnings and system alerts while operating the vehicle. I am concerned that this recurring malfunction could contribute to a crash or leave the vehicle occupants stranded. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this is a widespread safety defect affecting the instrument clusters in these vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759950August 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On XXX at approximately 8:45 am , at the Life Time parking lot, [XXX] the registered owner of the vehicle was slowly pulling the 2025 Mercedes Benz GLE 450 e into a parking space and was actively applying the brake as she entered the space. While she was braking, the vehicle suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated forward. she applied the brakes forcefully and continued braking hard throughout the entire unintended forward movement in an effort to stop the vehicle. Despite her continuous braking effort, the vehicle continued forward, traveled across the raised concrete curb, through the landscaping and bushes, across the grass and paved pedestrian path and toward the wetland reed area. She ultimately brought the vehicle to a stop. The distance from where the unexpected acceleration began to where the vehicle finally stopped was subsequently paced off at approximately 15 yards (45 ft). after the sop a dashboard display was photographed showing the message :ATTENTION ASSIST-SYSTEM SUSPENDED. The photograph documents the message after the event; no conclusion is being drawn from that message regarding the cause of the unexpected acceleration. Photographs taken after the event show tire marks on the paved path, disturbed grass/landscaping, the vehicle near/over the concrete curb, debris /vegetation on the tire tread, the drivers pedal/floor-mat area, and the dashboard message described above. I have requested that Mercedes Benz preserve potentially relevant diagnostic, event, control-module and connected -vehicle data before it is overwritten or altered. I am submitting this complaint because the event warrants evaluation as a potential motor-vehicle safety issue. I am not asserting a specific technical cause. I opened a case # XXX with Mercedes Benz Corporate Customer Care Center in GA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11759746August 26, 2026
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
I get a message saying "Active Parking Assist and PARKTRONIC Inoperative See Operator's Manual" every time I start the car. Then when going through a car wash, PARKTRONIC cannot be switched off any more as part of the "Car Wash Mode" (that also folds the rearview mirrors and shuts the windows). So the car beeps all the way through the car wash. Then I get random alerts that there is a collision risk when I am parked, or driving at slow speed. It looks like there is a malfunction of one or more parking sensor. It is not too dangerous, just annoying, except when you are driving the car and getting surprising alerts for no reason. The make some jump every time and distracts me from looking at the road. This car has 35,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758734August 22, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was told by the investigators that the fire was caused by an electrical component under the passenger seat that Mercedes is well aware of. My life was placed in danger because of the Inhalation of forever chemicals and lung damaging smoke and super heated air. Problem confirmed by dozens of owners who experienced and documented the very some accounts, some who have reported contacting the NHTSA years prior to my experience but nothing was done to save lives or prevent losses. The American Freedom insurance investigator told me in writing what caused the fire. Nothing gave any indication that my life was in danger not a light, an alarm nor the monthly Connect service I paid for every month. Nothing gave me an indication that something like this was going to happen.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
3
Deaths:
0
#11758251August 20, 2026
TIRES
The contact owns a 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE450 4Matic equipped with Michelin Tires, Tire Line: Primacy Tour AS, Tire Size: 275/50/R20, DOT Number: 1B9RF011X0925. While the contact's wife was driving 55 MPH, the vehicle drove over a speed bump and the rear tires jumped away from the vehicle 10–12 inches. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed that the issue was normal for the vehicle. The contact was informed that there was no fix for the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was a safety hazard. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact requested a vehicle buyback, which was denied. The failure mileage was approximately 15.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11758340August 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
My 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 unexpectedly braked on its own on two separate occasions while I was driving at a low speed, approximately 5 to 10 mph. There was no warning chime, no “BRAKE!” message, and no other warning immediately before the vehicle suddenly braked. One of the incidents occurred while driving through a drive-thru. The sudden braking was strong enough to jolt a properly restrained rear-seat passenger forward and caused discomfort around the waist area. I also received a dashboard warning stating “Active Parking Assist and PARKTRONIC Inoperative.” The vehicle was taken to an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealership, where it was inspected, scanned, test-driven, and a software update was performed. The dealership was unable to reproduce the unexpected braking and did not identify a confirmed cause for the braking incidents. The vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. I am concerned that this may be an intermittent safety-related malfunction involving the driver assistance, parking assistance, sensor, or braking systems because the vehicle applied the brakes unexpectedly without warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757638August 18, 2026
PARKING BRAKE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owned a 2025 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE 53. The contact stated that after his son parked the vehicle on a flat surface with the engine running, with the parking brake engaged, the driver walked away from the vehicle and the vehicle unexpectedly started rolling away. The driver attempted to re-enter the vehicle but was unable to enter the vehicle to stop the vehicle. The vehicle rolled down a 5-foot embankment and then another 4-foot embankment before coming to a stop near a residence. The contact stated that the gear shifter remained in park(P) during the failure. There was pink fluid underneath the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The driver sustained injuries to the right shoulder and foot, and several bruises. Medical attention was not needed. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer and then referred to a body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was contacted online and determined that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11757345August 17, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Active Brake Assist unexpectedly and forcefully engaged while driving on the highway 3 times. The dashboard display light goes completely black while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756442August 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
See attached letter for complaint
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11756224August 11, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
For approximately two years, I reported recurring moisture/condensation inside the RIGHT headlamp assembly of my 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 to Mercedes-Benz. I was repeatedly advised that the condensation was normal. The condition progressively worsened. The vehicle is now displaying headlamp warning messages and the RIGHT TURN SIGNAL associated with the affected headlamp is no longer functioning. I am also receiving repeated warning messages related to the headlamp/turn-signal malfunction. The loss of the turn signal creates a safety concern because I cannot reliably signal my intention to turn or change lanes to other motorists. Mercedes-Benz has now advised that the headlamp assembly requires replacement. The affected component is the RIGHT headlamp. For completeness, the vehicle previously sustained an unrelated sideswipe on the LEFT side, during which the LEFT headlamp was scuffed and replaced through insurance. There was no frontal collision, and the present moisture intrusion and signal failure are occurring in the RIGHT headlamp on the opposite side of the vehicle. I am reporting this to NHTSA because a condition Mercedes-Benz previously characterized as normal has progressed from condensation inside the headlamp to warning messages and failure of a safety-related signaling function. I am concerned that similar moisture intrusion in this headlamp assembly could affect other vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755781August 9, 2026
POWER TRAIN
At 72,000 miles the rear differential failed. Repair required else car could abruptly stop rolling, become uncontrollable and cause a serious wreck. The part is over $5,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755512August 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I a (CPO) certified pre owned car other MBZ dealers found code (B1A4F13) and rodent damage and fece on engine odor smell from air conditioning and House of imports Mercedes Benz refused to repair and clean engine repair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753924July 31, 2026
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
while driving, vehicle issued alerts for inoperative active brake assist, inoperative distance control, inoperative blind spot assist, and inoperative active stop and go assist. with all those alerts it was very concerning and I felt apprehensive to operate the vehicle further, as it may crash. Mercedes Benz dealer technician confirmed that the Distronic and Cruise control unit was defective/faulty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11753409July 29, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, ENGINE
I keep getting coolant level low. I add coolant fluid into the tank and the warning message comes up again. I see no leaks under my vehicle so not sure if there’s a leak inside the tank itself or air leak somewhere but I’ve gotten that warning message about 10 or more times. Also as im driving the blind spot sensor just randomly goes off without a car or anything being next to me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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